Transcriptomics on the copepod Acartia tonsa Dana exposed to different types of neonicotinoids

The calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa Dana is one of the species recommended by the International Organization for Standardization for the acute assessment of marine contaminants. This estuarine planktonic organism, which is widespread in the Venice Lagoon, is dominant in the zooplanktonic community, especially during warm periods, and represents a key component of the trophic network of this environment. We performed some microcosm experiments where this target organism was exposed to five different neonicotinoids, at two distinct concentrations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential effects of these emerging pollutants on the copepod expression profile.